When police coordinate with other branches of law enforcement it is generally because of something quite serious. Whether it is because of violent crimes or the massive importing of drugs, various branches of law enforcement are under tremendous pressure to arrest, charge and help in the conviction of people. What this ultimately means, however, is individuals might get swept up who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
While Ontario Provincial Police have recently revealed that they have arrested 12 people in connection with three separate drug rings, it is possible that some of the individuals arrested truly do not have anything to do with bringing methamphetamines and cocaine into the country.
It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating that many people involved in importing drugs are willing to use unsuspecting people to help them bring drugs into the country. That could mean asking friends, family members or associates to carry drugs hidden in packages or containers. It could also mean asking people to hold onto money for them in an effort to launder it.
If an individual had the full picture and knew why he or she was doing what was asked of him or her, he or she may be truly associated with the drug ring. If he or she does not, however, he or she may just be an innocent party swept up in the investigation.
Again, it is not entirely clear what the 12 people who have been arrested stand accused of doing, but it is always possible that a few of them are wondering what their connection to this drug ring might be.
Source: CTV Toronto, "Ontario drug trafficking bust leads to 12 arrests," Xiaoli Li, May 22, 2014